So I changed my tires...

"POD" (podimus) 10/27/2013 at 21:24 • Filed to: Wheels

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Holy hell does unsprung weight make a huge difference. My Summer wheel and tire combo is about 40-45 pounds each (rough guess based on lifting them). I run an Enkei Tuning Fujin with the stock Dunlops in the summer.

I !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on yesterday. For winter driving I run (currently) a WS-70 on the stock 18" wheel. The stock wheel is 6+ pounds heavier than the Enkei's and the Blizzak tire is another 4-6 pounds heavier than the Dunlops. The difference is night and day. The car feels noticeably more muted. Slower off the start, more pedal application is needed when braking, and the steering is heavier.

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I know the winters are needed, but damn, I hate having my car castrated by a heavy wheel and tire combo. Really though, I guess what I'm saying is that I hate having my car castrated by winter. Screw you Ice King!

dogisbadob > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:26

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That extra weight is probably helpful in the snow though

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:26

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Is it that or the compound of the rubber? I'd lean more towards the rubber.

POD > dogisbadob 10/27/2013 at 21:27

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Very much agreed! It'll come in handy. I was just shocked at the difference in driving characteristics.

POD > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/27/2013 at 21:29

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For the steering wheel feel too though? The slower off the line and the braking I can see, but the steering feels noticeably heavier.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:35

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Yeah, you might feel it.

POD > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/27/2013 at 21:38

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It's not awful, but it is noticeable.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:41

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How cold is it where you are? I notice my steering gets heaver when it's cold.

I_AmDeath > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:42

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Bizzaks are great snow tires though.

I_AmDeath > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:44

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You could try X-ices for a lighter and less hardcore snow tire thats pretty sporty.

POD > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/27/2013 at 21:45

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It gets very cold where I live (Edmonton). Usually each winter we hit -30c to -40c.

Today was only -1c though. However yesterday was +17c so I could just be noticing the difference in feel due to temperature change. That said, I do defiantly feel (and hear the steering pump) how the car changes when it's -15c and colder. I feel bad for the poor car.

POD > I_AmDeath 10/27/2013 at 21:48

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Thanks!

The wifes car has X-Ice tires. Looking at the tread they are less aggressive. I see some very bad weather though. I think the more aggressive the better, especially on a Speed3. The car can be a handful in good weather if you don't treat it right.

I_AmDeath > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:50

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Yeah they are nice snow tires on something your either not driving much or is just going to see a light winter like ours in Southern Ontario.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:51

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That may just be it. Is there any lower viscosity power steering fluid/ATF for extreme cold?

Dsscats > POD 10/27/2013 at 21:55

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Fun fact: The guy who voices the Ice King also voices Spongebob.

POD > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/27/2013 at 22:03

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You know, I haven't checked. I should though. That's a great idea. Car is a manual though, unless power steering fluid and Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) are the same.

...

searching

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I did find this:

http://paceperformance.com/i-5130745-1234…

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > POD 10/27/2013 at 22:04

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Yes, ATF is power steering fluid.

POD > Dsscats 10/27/2013 at 22:04

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Damn, you're right! I can hear that.

Cool fun fact, thanks!

POD > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/27/2013 at 22:11

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Ahh, good to know.

I know you're and engineer, unfortunately I'm not as versed in the workings of my car. I do know the common issues, and I do know what/how I can tune it. I can also fix most issues that come up. But I usually default to the manual for fluid type.

Thanks for letting me know.

Now, the big question. Do you think it's worth changing the ATF out for a lower viscosity fluid int he winter? My gut tells me that it would be. Reduced stress on the pump has got to be a good thing. So long as the running temp viscosity offers the same protection.

omgitsfletch > POD 10/27/2013 at 22:18

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I remember when I changed to different wheels on my old 2008 Subaru WRX. Kept same tires (but new set), but switched to a set of white WedsSport TC-005 wheels, since discontinued. The stock 17" wheels on the WRX were 23.2 lbs, but the TC-005s were 14.2 lbs. Dropping nearly 40 pounds of unsprung weight was like night and day, and improved handling and response time across the board. Best single upgrade I've ever made on a car then and since.

POD > omgitsfletch 10/27/2013 at 22:19

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I only lose about 10-12 pounds per wheel with my summer set up, but even still I can feel it. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > POD 10/27/2013 at 22:20

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I would consult with Mazda first (just incase warranty stuff). But, I would say that it will be much better for your steering system if it can work easier. There are reasons why motor oil comes in multi weight. However, this is not the time to give a lesson on hydraulics, I had to take two classes on it.

POD > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/27/2013 at 22:24

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Fair enough, and I do thank you for your time. I have consulted Mazda Canada before each bolt on (I'm in the clear so far there), I see no reason to change that habit now.

I can understand the lower viscosity should mean lower pressure given the same diameter pipe and the same pumping motor. It should be better overall for the whole system. Assuming Mazda approves.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > POD 10/27/2013 at 22:27

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Yeah, you get the gist. The pump wont have to work nearly as hard. Also, it is usually a good thing to change out your fluid every now and then, it does break down and the additives disappear.

POD > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/27/2013 at 22:30

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The breakdown I never thought about. It makes since, but I never really considered it. Is there a good web resource on wear rate for fluids?

If there isn't, that'd make a great article.

My car is a 2012, but I'm not opposed to changing all the fluids more often than not.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > POD 10/27/2013 at 22:41

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It's heat that breaks them down the most. The best description I've ever heard was something like this:(paraphrasing it a bit)

"Picture a plate of warm, cooked spaghetti, this is your fluid. You can stir it around and it can flow down at a certain rate. Now eventually, heat breaks it down into smaller molecules, like if you cut the spaghetti. Now there is much less resistance. If you keep going, you loose all of your properties and it is now useless"

This site does a much better job. There are also many, many charts for each oil.

Dsscats > POD 10/28/2013 at 00:25

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Yeah, the guys name is Tom Kenny. He's really nice. He's one of my friends.

POD > Dsscats 10/28/2013 at 00:54

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Very awesome! You've got a celeb friend there.

Dsscats > POD 10/28/2013 at 09:25

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And, he's not a douche! He even volunteers at the local elementary school when he has time.